openentrance – What’s Really Going OnWhat’s Really Going On

In the nineties, former President Bill Clinton and his team made the catch phrase “it’s the economy stupid…” their mantra in two presidential election wins. They surmised that what mattered most to American was not foreign policy, crime, or smaller government. What mattered most to people was the economy; how much money they had to live on and to pass onto their children. That was what people cared most about, and if they could (and they did) talk about it and tell their story and their plan—in a way in which most Americans could understand, then pull it of – they would win. It’s the economy stupid! Money matters to people, and the economy will win or loose people elections almost (see 9-11, the terror scare and the politics of fear approach of the Republican Party) every time

I watched CNN’s presentation of Black in America last night, as I hope most informed forward thinking people I this country did. I thought the first of their two part series was excellent. I look forward to the second installment tonight. In light of that this blog past will be fairly short, and I want to hear from you the readers. I will pose the questions and then give you my opinion. I hope that you respond with your opinions whether you agree with me or not.

What is the most pressing issue facing Black America today?

I hope there are lots of different answers ranging from too many children being born out of single parent homes, to wage disparity between Blacks and other ethnic groups, to the lack of wealth creation versus rampant consumerism in our community. I want to hear arguments from you about all of these issues.

I contend that this single biggest problem facing Black America is the problem of education; access to quality education, the devaluation of it as a priority in our community, and the dearth of viable equal and functional educational choices for Black inner-city children.

Education is the great equalizer. My mother stated at FAMU, but only got thru one year before having to drop out to work. My father never went to college, or even saw it as a viable option. Instead, my dad chose to take one of the abundant blue collar jobs in a tire plant in my hometown, and then go to the military. My dad worked for 35 years in that tire plant, and retired from there to take another job and continue to provide for his family. My mother worked for the school board as a “lunch lady” a cafeteria food service employee for my HS Alma Mater. They wanted what all parent want for their children—a better life for me than they had. Their answer for that was for me to go to college. It was an EXPECTATION in my home, and as a result it is an expectation for my daughter. My education has afforded me opportunities and broadened my horizon. It has taken me to places I would have otherwise been unable to go, meet people, network and develop relationships to which I would have otherwise never been exposed. It has made me money. My education was the greatest investment made in my life to date. It took me out of my old neighborhood, and the black hole for the black men with whom I grew up and as a child called “friend.” It literally saved my life and established my future.

When our young people don’t have access to that same opportunity by virtue of attending failing, deteriorating, forgotten schools, they are being sentenced to a lifetime of second class citizenship. It is that simple. If we don’t fix the education gap in this country for African Americans then we run the risk of our entire country – which is becoming increasingly Black and Brown—no longer being the leader in the world, a “super power.” This is a national security issue, and one that should alarm every right thinking African American. It is the quintessential issue for my generation and ones to come. That’s my opinion– it’s education ….stupid!

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This is almost becoming like a broken record.  I guess I could say at least it isn’t for drug possession, but  does that really make it better.

DMX has been arrested for a fifth time this year over allegations of identity theft.  He was detained by police in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday on suspicion of giving a false name and social security number to a hospital to avoid paying for his medical expenses.

Simmons is accused of visiting the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, in April and giving medical officials the fake name of Troy Jones.  He then allegedly failed to pay a $7,500 bill.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio says, “He’s back in jail again. I don’t know why judges keep letting this guy out. Every time he goes in there, he gets out on bond. I’m hoping this is the one time he’s going to pay the penalty for his offense.”

The latest arrest is just one of many legal woes the hip-hop star has faced so far this year. To recap it all, in January, he was arrested for allegedly speeding down a Phoenix, Arizona freeway. In May, he was charged with suspected drug possession and animal cruelty following raids on his Arizona home.

A month later in June the star was arrested for allegedly attempting to buy drugs from an undercover officer, and earlier this month he was taken into police custody for violating his bail terms relating to a previous incident in June of driving without a valid licence.

An auction of soul legend James Brown’s belongings has raised over $850,000 - which will pay off the late singer’s outstanding tax bills. His possessions were sold to fans and celebrities alike who were eager to own a piece of music history. Brown’s former business managers, Buddy Dallas and Alford Bradley, had tried to halt the auction after learning the cash raised would go to his estate, but a judge ruled on Monday (14Jul08) that the sale could go ahead. The top lot was a black cape embroidered in metallic thread with the words James Brown, which fetched $47,500- more than double its estimate. The leader of the Late Show with David Letterman’s band, Paul Shaffer, bid $32,500 to win a medical bracelet which stated that Brown was a diabetic. Brown died of heart failure on Christmas Day in 2006 at the age of 73.

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Organizers for the Rock Village Festival in Banatski Sokolac, Serbia have planned to immortalize Bob Marley in sculpture on August 23. The event’s website explains, “We are honored to announce that the first monument in Europe of the reggae legend Bob Marley will be erected in Banatski Sokolac. Our village thus enters into history and supporters and all those who respect this ‘liberty fighter armed with a guitar’ can take part in the unveiling ceremony.” Marley died of cancer at the age of 36.

It’s about time!!!!!

Akon’s court hearing for alleged misdemeanor endangerment and harassment charges has been delayed. He pleaded not guilty to charges of endangering the welfare of a minor and second-degree harassment in December (07). He was accused of the charges following an incident while performing in New York in June (07).

It is alleged a fan threw an object at the star, which encouraged him to retaliate.  Akon – real name Aliuane Badara Thiam – was due in court yesterday, but it has now been delayed until August. The alleged victim’s mother, Patricia Smith called the hearing “pretty typical,” adding of the latest setback: “People can just hang in there long enough until the case goes in their favor.” Akon could face one year and 15 days in jail if convicted.

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The famous Jimi Hendrix guitar that was burned on stage at the Astoria venue in 1967 will be auctioned off later this month in London. Its been 40 years, but the instrument has finally been found and is expected to go for more than $1 million. Other lots for sale include the last surviving drum kit belonging to late Led Zeppelin star John Bonham and Jim Morrison’s final notebook of poetry written before his death in 1971.